Folks,

I've got myself involved in a small way in some very interesting Lion research. Can I ask anyone/everyone out there to please help me by sending me pictures of any (MALE) Lions they've taken and details of which area and country and which year. It would be especially useful for me to have a frontal shot showing full face including hairline of the mane and also a side shot showing the full mane. A close up of the teeth as well would also be very useful.

The research will be used to try to discover if its possible to make an accurate assessment of age in relation to area and combined physical characteristics and also to try to discover if there are many regional differences in mane development etc.

You can either post your pics and details here or if you prefer, just e-mail them to me at shakari@mweb.co.za

Thanks in advance......

Hi Steve,

Is this for Craig Packer? We have been collecting similar data since 2001 and forwarding this to various lion specialists for consideration. The aim is to try to establish generic ageing criteria for wild lions as a management tool.

Hi Buddy,

No, it's not for Craig, but is similar to his work. From what I know about Craig's work (which isn't a hell of a lot!) he seems to put a lot of credance on the black nose thing. We reckon that although it's a useful guide there are a lot more factors (such as skull width and hairline esp) to consider and it should probably only be used as a guide.

My personal guess is that the black nose factor varies dramatically from region to region and country to country.... to say nothing of the fact that it's not really a lot of use to PHs as the nose is so often dirty or bloody or scarred (and sometimes part healed to pink?) from past fights....etc

A lot of it is just for my own interest as well........

A male lion from an animal park in South Africa a little east of Port Elizabeth taken in early October 2005.

http://www.orchardphoto.com/j1zcia36.jpg

pictures & info are on the way

I'll be e-mailing some also. How about a photo of the cleaned skull, with measurements?

Thanks Bill,

cleaned skull would also be useful - esp if it shows any damage to teeth.......Measurements would also be useful.

Howzit Shakari,

Two guys who can help you..

Gus van Dyk, formerly of Pilanesberg, now I belive at Tswalu. You can alos contact Dr. Rob Slotow at UKZN, he was working with Gus and is also knwoledgeable, and will know w ton of people. Both of these guys have worked with Packer as well.

Gus Mills, of SanParks

The African mammal unit at Tukkies....most research on African mammals on the continent if not the planet...they will have heaps of info and probably some postgrads working on lions, you may get someone who has done the work you are looking at and can help you out.

Shakari,

You really should contact LGF on NE.com

Kayaker & Bulldog

Thanks - will do!

Bill Quimby,

I didn't receive your e-mail..... perhaps you could try again please..... thanks!

Guys

I'd like to thank you all for your many e-mails and photographs etc...... It'll help me dramatically! - now all I have to do is try to make sense of all that data!

If any more of you out there still have info & pics to send me please feel free - I can't have too many to compare.......